Belinda McKibben

Belinda McKibben (Gonzales) of Visalia CA, born March 3, 1949, passed away September 4, 2025. She was surrounded by her loving family and many close friends as she peacefully went to her Lord and Savior, to whom she was devout in her faith.

Belinda was a good mother, sister, daughter, aunt, friend, and grandmother, (GranBee), and she lived her time here with a purpose. She believed that the Lord was in charge and therefore, did not leave this earth in fear. She wanted her life to be celebrated for entering the kingdom of Heaven.

Belinda was one of 7 children born to the late Mr. Joe E Gonzales (preceded her in death 2003), and his wife Mrs. Viola (Corkill) Gonzales of San Benito, Texas. Her parents Joe and Viola moved all their children to Visalia in 1962, when Belinda was 13 years of age. Belinda was raised and remained in Visalia except for a short stay in San Francisco, CA, and a few years when she resided in Three Rivers, CA. (A famed small community which serves as a gateway to Sequoia National Park.)

Belinda was married in 1970 to Thomas McKibben and they had one daughter Tonya Marie, (Thomas preceded her in death 1986).

Belinda graduated from Redwood High School in 1967, in Visalia CA. She worked many jobs as young struggling mothers do, until she landed a secure position as a utility worker for the So Cal Edison Co. She was employed with Edison many years until she retired.

Belinda was an avid church enthusiast and very involved in Bible Studies and church functions that would take her to visit other places with her church community and friends. Her generosity and kindness were displayed in the acts toward others, such as her frequent purchases at McDonalds and Taco Bell buying 20 or more meals at a time and would then distribute them among homeless people she would encounter. When she wasn't buying these meals, she would purchase water bottles and make peanut butter and Jelly sandwiches and distribute these items in the same way. She was always thinking of others and what she could do to help them.

As the 3rd child in the Gonzales family order, she is remembered by her siblings as caring and loving, and the protector for the younger ones. She was always ready to come to the rescue if one of her siblings was in need.

Later in life, in a domestic relationship in which Belinda's significant other, had a young son, she took Jeremy Mitchell in as her own, raising her daughter Tonya and Jeremy together. Belinda will be remembered by strangers, her friends, the church community, and her loving family in many ways, and with one truth that resonated with her intentions, it was in her heart to do the best for them in whatever way she could.

Belinda chose cremation and to be scattered in Three Rivers CA. The family will plan on a later date this year when all her family and close friends can attend this tribute. There will not be a traditional funeral service.

Belinda was a registered donor and was certificated in honor for her generosity. Her family respects, honors and admires her choice as a donor.

Belinda is survived by her daughter Tonya McKibben Ezelle, her granddaughter Natalie Michelle Ezelle, Natalie's significant other Will Huffaker, Jeremy Mitchell (who she raised and loved), her Mother Viola (Corkill) Gonzales, and all her siblings. Edward Gonzales (AKA Connor Corkill), Diane Howerton, Dan Gonzales, and his wife Jan, Vel Buford and her husband Rick, Maryann (Gonzales) McCorkill, and Ronald Gonzales. Her immediate nieces, and nephews, and her great nieces, and nephews. Christian Nava, Boe Exie (AKA) Trent Edward Gonzales, Melissa Stroben and her husband Brian, Athena Stroben and Oliver Stroben. Cheryl (Howerton) Miller and her husband John, Shawna Purvance and her husband Clint, Thomas Purvance and his wife Anastasia, Savannah Purvance, Luke Purvance, Sophi Purvance, and Dennis Purvance (preceded in death 2022). Stacy Pelzl and her husband Adam, Kaleb Pelzl, Naya Pelzl, Nick Pelzl, Michael Pelzl, Teddy Pelzl and Indy Pelzl. Her Aunt Teresa Lozano, brother-in-law Edd McKibben and his wife Kathy, and their children her niece and nephews, Jen, Brian, and Andrew, and her many Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins, of the Corkill family, Gonzales family, Lozano family, Guerra family, Sanchez family and Vasquez family.